TRADERS in Hillingdon have launched a bid to get parking restrictions relaxed on their congested parade, claiming that the threat of parking tickets is keeping customers away.

Shopowners in New Broadway, Hillingdon, are hoping to persuade the council to have the yellow lines on one side removed to free up more spaces, and instead implement a stop-and-shop parking scheme, or alternatively have metres installed.

At the moment, people can only park on the side of the road nearest the shop fronts, and the lines on the opposite side prevent cars from pulling up onto the pedestrian walkway.

Fred Brenton, who has run the Yard Recycling Centre for more than 20 years, told the Gazette: "All of the businesses along here are small and rely on repeat custom, and we are really suffering because traffic wardens sit and wait for people making a quick stop before slapping them with a ticket.

"Potential customers simply won't drop by to get a £8 haircut or pick up some food if there is a chance that they will get a £60 fine.

"We are talking about our livelihoods, and we just hope something can be done before it is too late."

Sean Kimmins, manager of the Electric Centre, added: "We have run-ins with the attendants every single day, and they won't reason with us.

"One side for parking is not enough. There are never any free spaces, and people don't even walk on the pavement that is being kept clear. Independent businesses are struggling as it is, and this would really help us."

The shopowners' first pushed for the change in 2009, but the campaign did not have enough support.

All but two of the businesses on the parade were represented at a meeting with a council officer last Wednesday (24), and the concerns will now be taken away, with a traffic assessment likely to follow.